This die measures 3" X 3" and features four Cicadas. There are two different sizes with wings spread cicadas and two different sizes with wings folded cicadas. These are ready to use any way you prefer. These would work beautifully for pendants, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and hat pins.
The larger wings spread cicada is 5/8" long and 1-1/2" wide.
The smaller wings spread cicada is 9/16" long and 1-5/16" wide.
The larger wings folded cicada is 7/8" long and 9/16" wide.
The smaller wings spread cicada is 3/4" long and 7/16" wide.
Compared to individual dies costing upwards of $65 per die this is a great value because each component is $18.75 per piece.
Metal Maven has always had a fondness for the magical cicadas she remembers from her younger years. She would often sit on the back porch of her home in Texas listening to their hypnotic song and wondering about from which direction they originated. If you’re not familiar with cicadas there are interesting articles available about their unique behaviors and life cycles. One interesting article can be found here from the Smithsonian Magazine. More interesting facts can be found on Wikipedia.
This Rolling Mill Component Die is a mild tool steel die that can be used in a rolling mill that can accommodate 3" wide by 1/8” thick material plus your metal and craft foam.
These Rolling Mill Component Dies are for rolling mill use only. We tested them with a hydraulic press and we were able to get impressions. However, we also found that after the first couple of pressings the plates became dented. This happened because the type of tool steel necessary for use in a rolling mill is softer than the type of steel used in a hydraulic press.
4 Cicadas Rolling Mill Component Die
Usage
Metal Maven Rolling Mill Component Die Use Guidelines
These Rolling Mill Component Dies are for rolling mill use only. We tested them with a hydraulic press and we were able to get impressions. However, we also found that after the first couple of pressings the plates became dented. This happened because the type of tool steel necessary for use in a rolling mill is softer than the type of steel for using in a hydraulic press.
Your die will arrive lightly oiled with a lubricant called CorrosionX. It can be found at most auto supply stores. We highly recommend you use it or some kind of machine oil to protect your investment, especially if you live in a humid climate. We use it to keep rust from forming on our steel pieces, dies, rolling mill rollers and other tools. It also helps your silver or copper release from the die.
When you first set you rolling mill rollers, take your die and place a piece of dead soft copper on top of it. We have found that 20-gauge and 18-gauge copper works best. Then, place a piece of craft foam on top of your metal. Place them into the opened rollers of your mill and gently close your rollers until they touch the top of your die, metal, and foam sandwich. Try rolling your die at that setting first to see if you get an impression. If you do not get a good impression, adjust your rollers tighter and test again. Rolling too tightly could damage your die or cause your die to form a drastic curve, so be careful to tighten in small increments.
You can find the craft foam on Amazon - search for Darice 2mm Foamie Roll, 36-inch by 60-inch, black.
Return and Refund Policy
Please check the sizes carefully when ordering, as we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Please note that we check the quality of each die carefully before we send them out.
Shipping Info
We offer shipping via USPS. Your shipping options will appear in your shopping cart. Shipping Insurance is included on all orders.
